PM Modi inaugurates India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, New Pamban Bridge, in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram, during his visit to Tamil Nadu on April 6, on the occasion of Ram Navami

Connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, the bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 550 crore. The 2.08-km-long structure features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that elevates to 17 metres, enabling the smooth passage of large ships without disrupting train services.

PM Modi also flagged off a new train – Rameshwaram-Tambaram Express – that will run between Chennai and Rameshwaram daily using the new bridge.

Engineering prowess

Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the New Pamban Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and visionary infrastructure development.

Rooted in history, its story traces back to 1914 when British engineers constructed the original Pamban Bridge, a cantilever (a long piece of metal or wood that extends from a wall to support the end of a bridge) structure with a Scherzer Rolling Lift span to connect Rameswaram Island with mainland India.

For over a century, it served as a critical lifeline for pilgrims, tourists, and trade. However, the harsh marine environment and growing transportation demands necessitated a modern solution. In 2019, the Government of India sanctioned the construction of a technologically advanced, future-ready replacement.

The result is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, a 2.07-kilometre-long marvel spanning the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu. Blending heritage with innovation, the New Pamban Bridge not only preserves the cultural and historical importance of the region but also marks a significant leap forward in design, connectivity, and regional development.

Importance of new bridge

By the early 21st century, the old bridge could no longer meet the demands of modern transportation. The increasing volume of traffic, coupled with the need for faster and safer connectivity, prompted the government to envision a new structure that would be technologically advanced, durable and future-ready.

The construction of a state-of-the-art sea bridge that could accommodate growing traffic volumes, ensure durability and facilitate smoother maritime navigation. The New Pamban Bridge was conceived to address the limitations of its predecessor while paving the way for enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth.

Key features

The 72.5-meter navigational span can be lifted up to 17 meters, allowing larger ships to pass underneath.

The new bridge is 3 meters higher than the existing one, improving sea connectivity.

The substructure is designed for two tracks, with the superstructure initially accommodating a single line.

The use of modern materials and engineering techniques will ensure the bridge’s longevity.

The bridge has been constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints.

A special polysiloxane coating protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.